 | 'I have decided to seek nomination to stand as deputy leader because I believe that I have the necessary skills and the commitment that the party needs at this tim.' Kenny MacAskill MSP, 24 th June 2004. |  |
| 'I have decided to seek nomination to stand as deputy leader because I believe that I have the necessary skills and the commitment that the party needs at this tim.' Kenny MacAskill MSP, 24 th June 2004. | |
A second leading Nationalist has
confirmed that he intends to stand for the
position of deputy leader of the Scottish
National Party.
Kenny MacAskill said it was "suggested" he would
stand for the leader's post but he opted to support
Nicola Sturgeon who has declared her candidacy.
The Lothians MSP will vie for the post with Fergus
Ewing, the MSP for Inverness, East, Nairn and
Lochaber.
Ms Sturgeon and Roseanna Cunningham will fight
for the leadership.
Declaring his bid for nomination, Mr MacAskill, 46,
said: "I have decided to seek nomination to stand as deputy leader because I believe that I have the necessary skills and the commitment that the party needs at this time.
Party convener
"I see the role of deputy as complementing that of the leader and, in particular, providing the drive and
energy to motivate within the party and to campaign outwith the parliament."
Mr Ewing announced his intention to stand on Thursday, as Glasgow region MSP Ms Sturgeon told
BBC Scotland that she would challenge Ms Cunningham.
Perth MSP Ms Cunningham, the current deputy leader, declared her intention to stand shortly after John
Swinney announced his decision to stand down as party convener on Tuesday.
Mr MacAskill, the party's transport spokesman, ran against Ms Cunningham for the deputy leadership
in 2000.
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